NEWS
Gomez could return to race riding on Monday
Posted: Sunday, December 28, 2008 4:03 PM
by Tim Nichols
Garrett Gomez, the nation’s top-ranked jockey in purse earnings this year, could return to race riding on Monday following a frightening spill on Saturday at Santa Anita Park, his agent said on Sunday.
Gomez’s agent, Ron Anderson, said Gomez lost three teeth when his mount, Back At You, ducked into the rail in the stretch and unseated him during the Eddie Logan Stakes.
“I can’t believe it,” Anderson said. “It’s remarkable to me. He’s a tough kid going in, but in the meantime, he got lucky here.”
Gomez was admitted to Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, California after the spill and was released Sunday evening. Anderson said he had a cut on his left knee and his hand was slightly swollen.
“He looks unbelievable,” Anderson said.
If he does ride Monday, Gomez will have three days left to surpass Jerry Bailey’s 2003 single-season earnings record.
Gomez has $23,246,319 in purse earnings through Saturday, which is $108,641 shy of Bailey’s record of $23,354,960.
Tim Nichols is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY assistant editor
